Formation of Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ Announced
US President Donald Trump announced the creation of a Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ on Thursday, marking a significant step in a US-backed plan to facilitate governance and reconstruction in the territory following ongoing conflict. This new initiative represents the formal transition to phase two of the plan, as the situation in Gaza continues to face numerous political and security challenges.
Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social, asserting the importance and historical relevance of the initiative. He mentioned that the members of this newly formed board would be revealed soon, expressing confidence in its potential success.
Background and Context of the Peace Initiative
This peace initiative was first introduced by Trump in 2025, intending to establish a transitional authority to oversee Gaza’s recovery and governance. The first phase, which began in October last year, focused on achieving a ceasefire, promoting humanitarian aid, and securing the return of hostages held by Hamas and allied groups.
While the efforts have seen some humanitarian assistance delivered to Gaza, tensions remain high between Israel and Hamas. The announcement comes even as disputes continue regarding alleged ceasefire violations and unfulfilled obligations from the previous phase of the plan.
Details of the ‘Board of Peace’
Composition and Responsibilities
According to reports, the Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ is expected to include international figures, and Trump intends to lead it personally. This board will oversee a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee responsible for daily governance in Gaza, ensuring that armed factions do not influence its operations.
In his announcement, Trump emphasized the necessity of a peaceful outlook, citing Palestinian leaders’ commitment to a peaceful future as fundamental for the committee’s success. He stressed that this interim governance aims to help Gaza navigate through a critical transition.
Demilitarization Goals
Trump reiterated demands for Hamas to fully disarm, asserting that the peace process is contingent on the group’s adherence to its obligations, including the return of missing Israeli soldiers. He warned that the disarmament could happen through either cooperative means or through more stringent measures.
“The people of Gaza have suffered long enough,” Trump stated emphatically, urging for immediate compliance from Hamas to start the transition process.
International and Local Reactions
The proposed governance structure has faced criticisms from various Palestinian factions and international observers. Concerns have been raised that it could potentially undermine Palestinian self-determination by imposing an external governance model. Observers worry the plan may sideline genuine Palestinian leadership.
Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader, expressed conditional support for the committee’s establishment, indicating the process remains dependent on the international community’s role in empowering it.
Implementation Challenges
As implementation begins, significant challenges remain. The first phase’s objectives were marked by humanitarian assistance, but accusations of ceasefire violations have surfaced. Reports indicate that Hamas has accused Israel of continued hostilities, undermining the ceasefire framework. Approximately 451 fatalities have been reported in Gaza during the ceasefire period, which Hamas attributes to Israeli military actions.
Conversely, Israel claims that its actions were targeted at militant threats entering restricted zones, revealing the complexity of post-conflict dynamics in the region.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Peace Process
Going forward, phase two aims to establish a more structured governance framework controlled by the newly formed committee while striving for the disarmament of armed groups in Gaza. US officials have indicated that international partners like Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar will play a crucial role in facilitating this phase.
Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, noted recently that the reestablishment of order in Gaza depends heavily on fulfilling international commitments and maintaining oversight through appropriate checks and balances.
As the world watches, the situation in Gaza remains fluid. Significant doubt persists among officials and humanitarian agencies regarding the effective implementation of the proposed governance model and its capacity to alleviate ongoing humanitarian crises.
The ramifications of these developments extend beyond immediate governance concerns; international observers will continue to monitor for compliance and cooperation among the involved parties as they navigate this complex landscape.